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“I hope I didn’t disturb you, Lydia.”
Crap. So much for hiding. “I was just getting some air, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” I joined him at the railings, matching his stance. “It’s nice out here.”
“I like the sea. Clears the mind.”
“Yes, it does.”
“How was your evening?”
I smiled. “A few too many wines. I’ll be fine in the morning.”
“I’ve had a few too many myself. Quite a few too many.” He smiled at my lack of response, seeming to read my mind. “Does that surprise you? You think I’m Mr Uptight, is that it?”
“I think you’re Mr Perfect. I’m not sure Mr Perfect gets drunk on a work night.”
“Mr Perfect?”
“That’s what they call you, in the office.”
“Do they?” His eyes dug into me, glinting in the shadows.
“Sure do.”
“Do you know what they call you?”
“No idea.”
“They call you Cat. Short for cat’s eyes.” He looked me right in the face, staring for long seconds. “It suits you.”
“Well, Mr Perfect kinda suits you, too.”
“I’m not perfect.”
“I dunno, you were perfect today… and perfectly intimidating,” I said, moving a little closer as the wind whipped my hair.
“You find me intimidating?”
I smiled. “Perfection is intimidating, is it not?”
“It’s easy to be perfect in office hours. It’s after that it gets a whole lot harder.”
“Yep,” I laughed. “Can’t say I’ve got the home shit nailed.”
“How are you doing, Lydia? Don’t insult me withfine. How are you really doing?”
I felt my throat tighten, willing me to clam up and slap on the professionalism, but the wine warmed through my veins, loosening my tongue. “Most of the time ok. Right now not so great. Bad wine.” I slapped my wrist.
“I thought a change of scene might do you good.”
“Is that why you invited me?”
“No,” he replied in a beat. “I’m really not that generous, I wanted you here because you’re good. I just considered it an additional benefit.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me. It doesn’t seem to have worked.”
“The thought was there.”
